13-Year-Old Invents New Tech to Assist His Grandma

At the young age of 13, Kevin Tang has made significant strides in technology and senior care with a focus on his grandmother’s safety. The eighth-grader from Southern California recently received the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” along with a $25,000 prize for his innovative invention, FallGuard. This device is a fall detection system designed specifically to assist seniors.

Innovative Elderly Care with FallGuard

Unlike traditional devices like Life Alert, which are wearable, Kevin’s FallGuard utilizes a camera system that monitors the home. It employs a sophisticated algorithm to detect falls and promptly notifies caregivers. This non-wearable technology aims to provide peace of mind for families concerned about their elderly loved ones.

Inspiration Behind the Invention

Kevin’s journey began with a personal experience. Five years ago, his grandmother suffered a fall at home, going unnoticed until it was too late. This event left her with lasting injuries and sparked Kevin’s determination to create a solution. Another incident involving a friend’s grandfather reinforced his awareness of the dangers falls pose to seniors.

Statistics on Falls Among Seniors

• Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 and older.
• More than 14 million seniors report falling each year in the United States.
• Approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations occur annually among older adults.
• Falls are also the primary cause of traumatic brain injuries in this age group.

Development of FallGuard

The process of creating FallGuard involved meticulous programming. After becoming a finalist in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Kevin worked with mentor Mark Gilbertson to refine the technology. The device is designed to function effectively even in low light conditions, making it reliable at any time.

Unique Features of FallGuard

• No subscription fees are necessary for the device’s operation.
• It operates continuously without the need for users to wear it or charge it regularly.
• Development costs are initially around $90, with efforts underway to reduce it to $30.

Since winning the science fair, Kevin has garnered interest from security camera companies and has personally heard from many families eager for such a device. Presently, the Tang family has FallGuard installed in their home, and another family is already benefiting from the system. There are also over ten families on a waiting list, indicating the device’s growing demand.

Kevin Tang’s invention not only highlights the importance of innovation in caregiving technology but also reflects his commitment to improving the lives of seniors and their families. His work ensures that others won’t have to experience the same fear his family endured years ago.